COMMANDER’S CORNER: WATCHING FROM ATOP THE WORLD - PAGE 2 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, September 14, 2017 Vol. 61 No. 37
Suicide Prevention Month: There’s help for Airmen By Robb Lingley 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
(Courtesy graphic)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — September is Suicide Prevention Month at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, and Tricare officials want beneficiaries to be aware of the importance of seeking help. Suicide prevention is the responsibility of everyone, from the newest trainee to the most senior Airman. “Suicidal behaviors are more common when there are risk factors and risk situations involved,” said Michel Cremeans, 21st Force Support Squadron violence prevention integrator. “Some risk factors we can help reduce and some we may not be able to control.” The best way to prevent suicide is to notice, then act on, the warning signs. For example, people may speak constantly about suicide or death or show signs of unhappiness. They might call or visit family or friends to say “goodbye” or give away personal possessions. They may have unusual mood swings or express wishing they had a way out. “Drug or alcohol abuse is another critical indicator that a person may be dealing with issues that could lead to self-harm,” said Creameans. In recent years the Air Force revised its suicide prevention strategy, focusing on culture, problem solving, overall fitness, resilience, and care for those in distress. Air Force leaders believe using a strength-based approach for suicide prevention may help Total Force Airmen (Active duty, Air Force Civilians, Reserve and Air National Guard) consider and pursue positive options instead of self-defeating behaviors.
September 2017 is Suicide Prevention Month at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Suicide prevention is the responsibility for Airmen at Team Pete from the newest trainee to the most senior Airman.
See Prevention page 6
Peterson reserve wing deploys second MAFFS-equipped C-130 to Western U.S. 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing sent a second Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systemequipped C-130 to Fresno Air Tanker Base, California today to support ongoing aerial fire fighting efforts in the Western U.S. The Colorado Reserve wing has been supporting the U.S. Forest Service request for assistance with one MAFFS C-130 since July 30, 2017 in response to the U.S. Forest Service request for assistance, which began the federal activation of three MAFFS-equipped C-130s. “It’s been an active six weeks for our MAFFS crews and support personnel — our Air Force reservists are trained and ready to provide additional support. MAFFS 2 and its crew will contribute to the overall team efforts and work in support of fire suppression in the Western U.S.,” said Col. James DeVere, commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing. The U.S. Forest Service original request for assistance, which was made July 27, for three MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft remains unchanged. When the U.S. Forest Service requires surge aerial fighting support, and MAFFS is activated, the MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group command rotates support
(Courtesy photo)
LAKE CONSTANCE, Germany — Lt. Col. Tammy Dotson, 21st Mission Support Group deputy commander, runs in the three-country SkinFit Half Marathon Oct. 5, 2014 along Lake Constance, which includes Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Dotson’s goal is to run a half marathon in every state and has completed them in 16 states and eight countries.
Running toward a goal By Dave Smith 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — So far Lt. Col. Tammy Dotson, 21st Mission Support Group deputy commander, has put down 517 miles running 39 half marathons, 14 of them in 2017. Her
See Fire Fighting page 4
INSIDE News Briefs Crossword Classifieds
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Three decades lived one day at a time Page 3
goal is to run a half marathon, 13.1 miles, in every state of the union. “At last count I had 16 states,” Dotson said. She also completed three marathons to date. She ran track in high school. Dotson thought of herself as a sprinter, running the 100-yard dash, 200
Space Wing connects with Sci-Fi at Comic Con Page 5
See Half Marathons page 7
Tribute to those serving America Page 12