Smoke billowed across the open parking lot long before the first students arrived for the first-ever Training Support Center (TSC) and Coalition for Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Great Lakes Suicide Prevention and Awareness Fall Fest, Sept. 24.

Sailors were busy putting a sear on their culinary creations and locking in that deep smoky flavor in hopes of being named the top taste of the event.

The unmistakable smell of a cookout was the dinner bell that brought the TSC staff and Sailors to the parking lot, but it was the celebration of a month-long focus on suicide prevention and awareness that was the real reason for this gathering.

Throughout September Sailors have been taught the 1Small ACT method of support and intervention as well as re-enforced the myriad of other ways Sailors are taught to take care of their shipmates. Sailors also posted countless "I will ..." messages to social media and throughout their barracks to show how they will support their fellow Sailors.

Suicide prevention and awareness is an everyday concern but extra emphasis being placed during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month (September) as Sailors both new and seasoned are able to emphasize the need to take look out for their fellow shipmates.

"We speak to the Sailors about the fact that we are a community so events like this give the Sailors a chance to come out and, in an informal manner, enjoy each other's company as well as enjoying food and just stop and relax," said Lt. Adrienne Townsend, TSC deputy chaplain and suicide prevention coordinator.

In addition to the food, Sailors also created flags that signified their ship as well as a message of support for their fellow Sailors. The friendly competition helped the creative side of each ship show through.

"Events like this encourage people to be able to step outside of themselves and allow them to be able to have positive interactions with life in general," Townsend said.

The food competition was won by the USS Wisconsin (BEQ 831). The USS New Jersey (BEQ 838) won for best flag. Additionally, there was an inflatable obstacle course, Pugil stick bouts and a pie in the face contest during Fall Fest.

Sailors were able to enjoy the festivities and a smorgasbord of food as well as get to know their shipmates outside of the classroom and barracks all in the name of preventing suicide.

"If you need help, ask for help and if you see somebody that needs help, put your bystander intervention hats on and put that somebody in the direction where they can get the proper help that they need," TSC Commanding Officer Capt. John B. Vliet reminded the Sailors. "That's what we do as a family is we take care of each other."

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.