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News | Sept. 19, 2025

CRDAMC Reaffirms Commitment during Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

By Frank Minnie

FORT HOOD, Texas  –   Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center leaders, soldiers, civilians, and community members gathered Sept. 18 in the hospital atrium to sign the 2025 Suicide Prevention Proclamation, pledging to strengthen support, reduce stigma, and save lives.

The ceremony, hosted by the Department of Behavioral Health, opened with remarks from Fort Hood Suicide Prevention Coordinator Summer Dixon, who urged attendees to remember that awareness alone is not enough.

“We must do more than fulfill training requirements or check the box,” Dixon said. “We must lead with empathy, ask the hard questions, and create safe spaces where vulnerability is met with support, not stigma. If you are hurting, please know this: you are not alone.”

The event’s keynote speaker, Sgt. 1st Class Etiel Sanchez, People Directorate non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), shared his personal journey with loneliness, despair, and resilience. He spoke openly about a time he nearly attempted suicide and described how the support of his commander, chaplain, and behavioral health team helped him find healing.

“For a split second, I almost lost everything,” Sanchez said. “But because I had others who were there for me, I was able to rebuild my marriage, my family, and my life. I want everyone to know—you are never alone. There are people here who will walk with you.”

After Sanchez’s remarks, the official proclamation was read aloud, echoing the Army’s 2025 theme, “We Are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect.” The proclamation highlighted that strong connections, whether through family, friendships, or community ties, are key to preventing suicide.

CRDAMC Commander Col. Mark Jacques closed the ceremony by emphasizing that suicide prevention is about more than numbers.

“Suicide is not just a statistic. It’s the loss of a teammate, a friend, a member of our Army family,” Jacques said. “Preventing it requires more than awareness. It requires action. Cohesion and trust are where suicide prevention truly begins. Every one of us has a responsibility to look after the person to our left and to our right.”

Sgt. 1st Class Lynn Suzuki, NCOIC of the Department of Behavioral Health and this year’s Suicide Prevention Month Program coordinator, said the ceremony reinforced that suicide prevention requires a holistic approach.
 
News | Sept. 19, 2025

CRDAMC Reaffirms Commitment during Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

By Frank Minnie

FORT HOOD, Texas  –   Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center leaders, soldiers, civilians, and community members gathered Sept. 18 in the hospital atrium to sign the 2025 Suicide Prevention Proclamation, pledging to strengthen support, reduce stigma, and save lives.

The ceremony, hosted by the Department of Behavioral Health, opened with remarks from Fort Hood Suicide Prevention Coordinator Summer Dixon, who urged attendees to remember that awareness alone is not enough.

“We must do more than fulfill training requirements or check the box,” Dixon said. “We must lead with empathy, ask the hard questions, and create safe spaces where vulnerability is met with support, not stigma. If you are hurting, please know this: you are not alone.”

The event’s keynote speaker, Sgt. 1st Class Etiel Sanchez, People Directorate non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), shared his personal journey with loneliness, despair, and resilience. He spoke openly about a time he nearly attempted suicide and described how the support of his commander, chaplain, and behavioral health team helped him find healing.

“For a split second, I almost lost everything,” Sanchez said. “But because I had others who were there for me, I was able to rebuild my marriage, my family, and my life. I want everyone to know—you are never alone. There are people here who will walk with you.”

After Sanchez’s remarks, the official proclamation was read aloud, echoing the Army’s 2025 theme, “We Are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect.” The proclamation highlighted that strong connections, whether through family, friendships, or community ties, are key to preventing suicide.

CRDAMC Commander Col. Mark Jacques closed the ceremony by emphasizing that suicide prevention is about more than numbers.

“Suicide is not just a statistic. It’s the loss of a teammate, a friend, a member of our Army family,” Jacques said. “Preventing it requires more than awareness. It requires action. Cohesion and trust are where suicide prevention truly begins. Every one of us has a responsibility to look after the person to our left and to our right.”

Sgt. 1st Class Lynn Suzuki, NCOIC of the Department of Behavioral Health and this year’s Suicide Prevention Month Program coordinator, said the ceremony reinforced that suicide prevention requires a holistic approach.
 
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