More than 200 Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in the 11th annual Out of the Darkness community walk at Sept. 8 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Sponsored by the Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Support Group, the Out of the Darkness community walks raise awareness about suicide prevention and depression. Abraham Lincoln Sailors used this event as an opportunity to recognize the effect that suicide has on friends, families and a command.
"We're in a stressful situation being in a shipboard environment, and a lot of people have been affected by suicide," said Legalman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James G. Cameron, a participant. "By raising awareness and finding positive outlets for our stress, we can turn lives around and save people from the devastation of suicide."
The event is held across the country to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide, research, education and advocacy.
According to AFSP, the walks give people the courage to open up about their own struggles or losses, and provide a platform to change our culture's approach to mental health.

"It's important to support people who have been affected by suicide, be it the person contemplating suicide or the family and friends affect by suicide, " said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Violet Sandoval. "Suicide is a life changing decision for all involved, not just the person who commits suicide. It devastates families and friendships, and it affects us as a Navy because although we can replace a person's billet, we can't replace the Sailor. That's why I feel so many of us came out here today, to show that we care."

The walk was not just geared to helping those who have suffered from the loss or near loss of a loved one, but also to help those in need and raise awareness of the resources available to those who are suffering from depression.
"The response from the crew to support this walk was absolutely incredible," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Mark Summers, who helped organize the Lincoln volunteers. "By supporting this event, we are saying to our friends, loved ones, and shipmates that they are not alone."

Information on suicide prevention is available from at the Navy Suicide Prevention Program Webpage: www.suicide.navy.mil.


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