Amateur chefs laid their grill techniques on the line in hopes of being named top grill master at the Fall Fest Barracks Barbecue as part of a culmination of events meant to increase attention to Suicide Prevention and Awareness month at Training Support Center (TSC) Sept. 29.

Different barracks housing TSC students were treated to event featured speakers, music, and competition (both with food and Suicide Prevention and Awareness themed flags created by each team barracks).

"Although the weather is kind of dreary, I am very happy at the turn-out for this fun event that also carries messages that we care about our shipmates and, as a family, if anybody here has something that's bothering them - if you're not eating, sleeping, if you're having trouble adjusting, if you can't concentrate - they have a whole network of people they can go to for help," said Capt. John Vliet, commanding officer of TSC. "Suicide prevention and awareness month is a part of what I believe and direct the command to instill in each other every day; 24-hours a day, seven-days a week."

A theme that carried through the event encouraged all members to learn the acronym ACT; "ASK" directly are you thinking of killing yourself, show that you "CARE" by listening without judgment, and get immediate help to "TREAT" the Sailor.

To achieve these goals the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Fall Fest Barracks Barbecue was meant to instill community unity in the command's effort to create a positive climate where Sailors can assist each other.

"Sadly over the past ten years, the U.S. Navy has averaged 44 suicides a year," said Chief Petty Officer Michael Willis, suicide awareness coordinator for TSC.

"Each representing a Sailor lost and families and friends impacted. There is still much work to be done to reduce these numbers and ultimately reach a goal of zero suicides in the Navy; I do believe that this is possible. The event is meant to give everyone a great time as we continue to keep suicide awareness and prevention a primary focus at TSC."

The first part to awareness and prevention is to recognize the warning signs: seeing no reason for living, having no sense of meaning or purpose in life; anxiousness, agitation, nightmares, inability to sleep or excessive sleeping; feeling as though there is no way out; feeling hopeless about oneself, others or the future; isolation from friends, family, usual activities, society; feelings of rage, uncontrollable anger, seeking revenge; acting without regard for consequences; dramatic changes in mood; and suicidal thoughts.

"I think the barrack's barbeque is a great setting to carry on our efforts to reduce suicide," said Seaman Preston Henderson, a student at TSC. "It is great to see everyone here enjoying a meal, listening to the speakers, and communicating with each other. I look at our efforts to reduce suicide as a chain; we are all stronger linked together, helping each other than as individual links."

The evening began with the food and flag competition being a large focus of the event - USS Franklin barracks won with their flag and USS Porter took top honors with their food - but ended with a year-long commitment for everyone to work together as a team to help each other out.

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