Attacking Suicide Problem Top Priority

CMSgt. Dwight Dale Badgett, command chief for Air Force Reserve Command, said one suicide is “too many.” On average, about three Reservists a year take their own lives, but there have been two suicides just in the last month, he said. Badgett added that leaders have a responsibility to educate airmen on the opportunities that are available to them. He said: “We have to remove that stigma that we have had in the past that it’s bad to get help. We need airmen to understand that’s it’s a strength, not a weakness.” Other command chiefs participating in a panel Monday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference echoed his concerns, saying programs such as the comprehensive airmen’s fitness program attempt to ensure airmen are well rounded physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.