Page 3 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 8-7-15

www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin 3High Desert Warrior
Feacebook.com/HighDesertWarrior August 7, 2015

Your Army

Army observes Suicide Awareness Month in September

Fort Irwin to host motivational speakers

By Michael Duncan, Suicide Prevention Program Manager A professional motivational speaker since retiring from foot- Photo courtesy of Post-Crescent Media
ball in 1989, Mr. Hipple’s public speaking shifted to topics of Tarah and Eric Hipple.
Army Substance Abuse Program, NTC and Fort Irwin depression awareness and treatment, and to suicide prevention in
2000, after the tragic death of his 15-year-old son to suicide. Last championship. In addition, he was named most valuable player
In support of the nation’s observance of Suicide Prevention year, he was featured as keynote speaker at the Pentagon during for the 1981 season.
Week, Sept. 7 -13, and World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. Suicide Awareness Month, and visited numerous Department of
10, the United States Army focuses on a campaign about the Defense installations world-wide.
importance of building resiliency and suicide awareness during
the entire month of September. Tarah is an avid student of social work and cognitive behav-
ioral therapy. Her recently published book, “Tarah’s Song: Words
The Army Resiliency Directorate has communicated that in of Survival,” is a compilation of poems about her journey from
support of this year’s campaign, the Army will amplify its Ready tragedy and suffering to survival.
and Resilient (R2) messaging and call members of the force –
Soldiers, Army civilians, and Family members – to “Take Action” Mr. Hipple currently serves as an outreach specialist for the
by treating one another with dignity and respect, becoming in- University of Michigan Depression Center. His book, “Real Men
terveners instead of bystanders, and living the Army Values daily. Do Cry”, chronicles his life as a NFL quarterback, the time from
his youth to his current position, his struggle with suicide loss,
On this installation, the Suicide Prevention Program will host and his own depression. His story is one of hope and recovery
a former National Football League player and his daughter as and uses education as well as practical advice to help others live
guest speakers in late August and early September. and enjoy life again.

Former Detroit Lions quarterback, Eric Hipple, and daugh- He’s received numerous awards including: a Detroit Lions
ter, Tarah Hipple, are scheduled to speak at the 11 a.m. general 2010 Courage House award; the 2008 Life Saver Achievement
Protestant service in the Center Chapel, Aug. 30. The two will award given by the American Foundation For Suicide Preven-
also speak at the Freedom Fitness Center, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 tion, and; a presidential citation by the American Psychological
p.m., Sept. 1 and 2. The entire Fort Irwin community is invited Association. His 10-year NFL career was spent entirely with the
to hear them speak poignantly about their continued journey of Detroit Lions and included two playoff bids and a divisional
recovery and suicide prevention.

Your Installation

Your bus ride just got better

By Leslie Ozawa

Public Affairs Office Photo courtesy of VVTA
The Victor Valley Transit Authority has acquired five new “luxury coaches” which will be used on the commuter routes
The Victor Valley Transit Authority has acquired five, between Hesperia, Victorville, Silver Lakes, Barstow and Fort Irwin in mid-August.
new 53-passenger buses which will begin running on the
morning and afternoon weekday routes to Fort Irwin on other VVTA bus routes. The VVTA will continue to use The VVTA commuter bus service is open to most all
from Hesperia, Victorville, Silver Lakes and Barstow in the smaller, 25-30 passenger white buses now used mostly federal military and civilian employees and many private
mid-August. for the shorter runs between Barstow and Fort Irwin.
See BUSES, page 18
The VVTA, which provides the commuter bus service
for Fort Irwin’s federal mass transit benefits program, is
now putting graphics, fare boxes, and other technologies
on the buses, according to VVTA marketing specialist
Fidel Gonzales.

“The level of passenger comfort and business productiv-
ity that the new coaches deliver to the VVTA commuter
fleet is impressive,” said Ron Zirges, VVTA Director of
Maintenance and Facilities. “On an 80-mile commute, the
plush reclining seats, restrooms, 110-volt power outlets, and
WiFi will change the way High Desert business profession-
als think of their commute by improving their experience.”

The “luxury coaches,” each costing $750,000, were
purchased through San Bernardino Associated Govern-
ments, City of Barstow, federal grants and local match
funding sources.

Each bus can either “kneel” or lower its suspension to
assist people who find it difficult to board or get off the
bus, and accommodate wheel chairs or mobility devices.
The buses are also equipped with bike racks for up to three
bikes, and internal and external security cameras.

The new buses will replace the current fleet of seven,
35-passenger buses used on the Fort Irwin commuter
routes. The seven older buses will be used as backup and

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil