Photo By Laura Boyd | Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Chris W. Fields, right, and Kristen Christy, military widow...... read more read more
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - Soldiers, family, and community members gathered Sept. 26 at the Fort Campbell USO Building for the annual Blanchfield Army Community Hospital ‘Light up the Night,’ event held in observance of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
This year’s program featured remarks from retired Command Sgt. Maj. Chris W. Fields, who served 30 years in the U.S. Army. Fields led soldiers in various roles, including scout team leader, squad leader, sniper section leader, scout platoon sergeant, first sergeant, and command sergeant major for an infantry battalion and cavalry squadron. He completed four combat tours, spending 48 months deployed, with one tour in the Horn of Africa, two in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan.
During his Army career, Fields went through what he calls, “a dark period” and contemplated suicide. He credits his religious beliefs and behavioral health professionals for being an integral part of healing that saved his life.
“My family and I thank you day in and day out for what you do. You are savings lives,” stated Fields.
Kristen Christy, a master resiliency expert, and co-founder of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988, who earned the 2018 Air Force Spouse of the Year Award, also spoke and shared her story of loss and the importance of remaining resilient through life’s challenges.
Christy’s husband died by suicide shortly before his promotion to colonel, a tragedy that deeply affected her and their two sons, Ryan and Ben. Their oldest son Ryan has been missing since 2015. Ben also attempted to take his own life.
“Life is a tough teacher, we get the test first, and then we learn the lesson”, said Christy.
Christy shared that it took her more than a decade to come to terms with her husband’s death and the changes in her sons. Now, she speaks publicly about managing mental health challenges and encourages others to seek help.
“It's not a weakness to ask for help,” Christy said. “It takes courage. It takes bravery."
She also spoke about how she has relied heavily on those around her and her firm belief that “there is super power in community.” Christy also thanked Fields for speaking at this event.
“You telling your story is saving lives. Thank you,” said Christy.
After the program, 1st Lt. Tiffinie Cruz, BACH social work intern, led the attendees in a candlelit moment of silence before ending the event. Behavioral Health teams were there to help support anyone grieving or needing to talk to someone while attending the event.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988. You can also chat online by visiting the Veterans Crisis Line Website.
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| Date Taken: | 10.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2024 08:29 |
| Story ID: | 482376 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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