Page 12 - Fort Irwin High Desert Warrior, October 2020

12 High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin High Desert Warrior 9
April 2020
October 2020
News COVID-19 Resources

From SUICIDE, Page 6
However, with the help of a community of & Family Life Counseling services and religious planned the walk to allow for safe physical
friends and family she was able to pull herself services. distancing while promoting an inclusive com-
out of a dark place and recover. Attendees also wrote encouraging messages munity event that included exercise.
She shared her story of survival at the Weed on paper bags that later lined the last half mile “We know that exercise helps when we’re
Army Community Hospital’s Suicide Prevention of the walk as a “path of hope”, said Shin. feeling depressed and when we’re feeling down,”
Walk Sept. 1. Events such as the Suicide Prevention Walk she said. “If somebody’s been down for a while,
WACH hosted the 2.2-mile walk in remem- help build life-saving communities, according and this is the one thing they come to and they
brance of the 22 Veterans a day who die by to Clark. feel good afterwards, maybe they’ll do it again
suicide and those still struggling with “invisible “For me, that community connection was my and it’ll continue to help them.”
wounds”, according to Maj. Julie Shin, the lifeline,” she said. “Having those people who had Shin and Clark both said they hope people
WACH chief of the department of behavioral similar experiences that I could connect to and took away one message from the walk: You are
health. build a community with is what helped me.” not alone.
“[Twenty-two suicides a day is] is not the Clark said her story is not unique. “It’s a very internal, private battle that people
same number we have here on active duty, we “It’s really important to know that we all have ght with suicide and suicidal ideation and just
have less, and it’s not the same number they have those moments and it’s important to reach out other mental health disorders,” Shin said. “It’s
in the community, but it really rings a bell with and make those connections,” she said. “When better to reach out for help and get the help
a lot of people that there are a lot of deaths by you’re suicidal and you feel completely alone that you need — You don’t have to continue
suicide,” Shin explained. … just knowing there is someone to have a to struggle.”
Before the walk started, attendees could get connection to, even if it’s just one person, that’s For more information on services, please
information from multiple resources including sometimes all you need.” contact the WACH department of behavioral
WACH’s behavioral health department, Military Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Shin health at 760-383-5440.

From SCOUT, Page 11
all the di erent meetings kind of Library Groundbreaking
take place on di erent days.”
He explained that the scouts NTC/Fort Irwin Garrison Public A airs
have been planning events and
projects that will hopefully take FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Families will
place in the future. be able to explore new worlds through books
Some of these events entail and activities at a brand new location.
participating in the Rain-gutter On Sept. 3, leaders participated in a
Regatta where scouts will be able groundbreaking for the new library as Fort
to make boats out of kits and race Irwin continues to make strides in the Army’s
them. quality of life programs, bringing updated
“We’re working with the 11th services and facilities to the community.
ACR to do a small display, working National Training Center and Fort
with the Fort Irwin Fire Depart- Irwin’s leadership were present, including
ment to do demonstrations and Commanding General Brig. Gen. David
trying to work with the MP’s and Lesperance, Post CSM Command Sgt. Ma-
do some things,” Adams said. “So, jor. William Justice, Garrison Commander
it’s going to be like a Rain gutter Col. Jeanette Martin, and Garrison CSM Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Fedorisin.
Regatta/Family Day.” e new, $5.8 million facility will be 8,000-square feet. It will have an
Many scouts like Owen Furtick, outdoor activity area, mother’s room, teen room, and group study/meeting
a Webelos Scout, enjoy participat- area and be located on the corner of 2nd Street and F Avenue, just across from
ing in events like these. the current location.
“My favorite thing is the Pine- is project has a scheduled completion date of Aug. 18, 2021.
wood Derby,” Owen said. “You get
to make a car and paint it how you
want to. en you race it and if you
win you get a trophy.”
Owen also has two older broth-
ers in the Scouts program who
enjoy the camping experience of
the program.
“It has been a fun experience,”
Andrew Furtick said. Andrew is
one of Owen’s older brothers and
a Star Scout.
“I have enjoyed going on the
campouts and hikes and earning
di erent merit badges that allow
me to learn a little more things in
the world.”
Although the pandemic has set
some restrictions, the Cub Scouts
program has been able to adjust and
still have the full experience.

For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin