Student barracks designed and presented their Suicide Awareness Prevention Month-themed flags, Sept. 28, to be judged by Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes leadership, and raise awareness of the observance.

Held at the Epicenter, the event featured bowling, pizza, movies, live music and various other activities focused on raising attention to the month's theme "1 Small ACT."

"This year's suicide prevention message is '1 Small ACT,'" said Capt. Mark Meskimen, commanding officer of TSC. "Just think about that for a minute. By doing one small act we can change somebody's life forever. It is about being there for every Sailor/coworker, every day. Take some time out of your busy days and talk with your shipmates/coworkers. Educate yourself on the warning signs, and if you or your shipmates/coworkers need help, seek it out. We are all here to help and eliminate these very preventable tragedies."

"1 Small ACT" encourages simple actions that can make a difference in the lives of others while leveraging relationships between peers and community members.

Commands may conduct formal suicide awareness training events throughout the year. Although this event was held in a more relaxed environment, it did not take away from the importance of the subject matter.

"We provide incoming students with initial training during indoctrination and quite a bit of training to both staff and students periodically at TSC," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Randall Bushu, a Navy military training instructor and suicide prevention coordinator for TSC. "It is important to keep suicide prevention and awareness in the forefront in staff and students' minds. An event like we are holding today provides us an informal way that allows us to let down our guard and relax, while promoting psychological health and upholding a culture which supports seeking help as a sign of strength."

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