Health

Ramstein hosts suicide awareness events

Story and photos by Airman Trevor Calvert
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
December 1, 2023
U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke Li, 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health clinic psychiatrist, facilitates a discussion during a suicide awareness event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 18, 2023. A suicide awareness event was held to raise awareness on suicide awareness among members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The intent of the event, and future events, is to create an environment where the importance of mental health and the warning signs of suicide awareness is discussed and participants are encouraged to be a wingman for their coworkers and loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Trevor Calvert)

The 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron hosted a suicide awareness event for members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community at Ramstein Air Base, Nov. 18.

The event was held to provide members of the KMC a forum to discuss suicide awareness after viewing a movie with mental health themes.

The intent of the event was to create an environment where discussing the importance of mental health and the warning signs of suicide is encouraged, as well as encourage others to be a wingman for their coworkers and loved ones.

“My hope for this event was not just to highlight mental health, but for general public awareness and understanding of what might lead somebody to contemplate suicide,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke Li, 86th OMRS mental health clinic psychiatrist. “Especially if people find themselves in a situation where there might be warning signs they’re noticing [in themselves or others].”

A paper with information about resources to help those affected by suicide sits on a table during a suicide awareness event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 18, 2023. Information relevant to the movie watched, which contains themes related to suicide to fuel discussion, is written, as well as expenses the main character struggles with, leading him to consider suicide. Attendees watched “It’s A Wonderful Life” to initiate discussion about suicide awareness and prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Trevor Calvert)

In 2022, suicide was the highest cause of death for military members. In 2021, a research study by Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs discovered an estimated 30,177 military members and veterans committed suicide compared to the 7,052 killed in post 9/11 operations.

“I want for us to come together as a community,” Li said. “My intention was to have people gain an awareness of what to look out for. We can’t do it all alone; we need as much support as possible.”

Li will be holding two more suicide awareness events in December and January, and include different films tied to mental health topics, further fostering dialogue about suicide.

For more information about these future events, please reach out to the Ramstein Mental Health Clinic at DSN 479-2390 or COMM 06371-46-2370.

The below resources are available to military members and their families for mental health help.

  • Military Family and Readiness Center at COMM 06371-47-5100
  • Northside Chapel at COMM 06371-47-6148
  • Southside Chapel at COMM 06371-47-5753
  • Veterans Crisis Line at COMM 00800-123-8255
  • Military One Source at https://militaryonesource.mil/
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