Double Deuce Day Calls Attention to Suicide Awareness and Prevention

  • Published
  • By 22nd AF Public Affairs
  • 22nd Air Force
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Twenty Second Air Force Headquarters Airmen gathered April 22, 2016 here at 11:11 a.m. to perform 22 push-ups and participate in a fitness challenge in an effort to promote awareness of veteran suicides.

The 22nd AF staff has dubbed the 22nd day of each month, “Double Deuce Day,” a day set aside to focus on team building and camaraderie within the Numbered Air Force.

“Today’s Double Deuce Day was a call to action to honor our veterans and educate ourselves on the terrible suicide rate among our active duty and retired members,” said Col. Kelvin McElroy, 22nd AF director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, and the event’s organizer. “On average, 22 veterans take their lives every day and we must remain alert to veterans, as well as current active duty members and Reservists who may be experiencing problems. It’s part of our duty to help guide them to appropriate resources who can offer help.”

Donning fitness gear and 22nd AF morale shirts, Airmen were led by the A-4 Directorate in 22 synchronized push-ups, followed by 22 repetitions of various exercises over the next 22-minute period. The group then shared a health-conscious lunch of salad, baked chicken and fruit.

“It was absolutely a spectacular day, getting together with our members; the teamwork, the camaraderie and the fitness – focused on the suicide rate among our veterans, our Airmen and family members through emphasis on tools for resiliency,” said 22nd AF Commander Maj. Gen. Stayce Harris, who took part in the day’s events. “Suicide prevention is the responsibility of every Airman. Air Force leaders at every level must remain engaged and alert our members of resiliency tools available to them to include the Wingman Toolkit (developed by the Air Force Reserve) and create a climate that does not inhibit our Airmen and veterans from seeking help.”

Several members expressed this was the most unique and best Double Deuce Day they had participated in, including Chief Master Sgt. Donnie Fletcher, aircraft maintenance specialist with 22nd AF.

“An amazing effort by everyone who participated in these rigorous exercises and got out of their comfort zones,” said Fletcher. “Of course our primary focus was reminding everyone to take notice of any Airmen, family member or veteran who might be experiencing any type distress and encourage them to seek help.”

“Today was about letting our veterans and our Airmen know that they count and that we care about anyone who is experiencing depression,” echoed Maj. Brande Newsome, Dobbins ARB Specialist for the Primary Prevention of Violence. “The message is that we care for you and you’re part of our family.”